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JT Moderator	Message Posted: Jul 31, 2011 12:01:01 AM Ignore JT Report Abuse When conditions allow, how often do you use special driving techniques to get the best fuel economy? I drive without considering fuel economy Occasionally I drive for economy I'm careful about half the time I usually try to drive efficiently I’m a full-time hypermiler I don't drive / NA Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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Message Posted: Jul 31, 2011 12:01:01 AM

Ignore JT Report Abuse

When conditions allow, how often do you use special driving techniques to get the best fuel economy?
I drive without considering fuel economy
Occasionally I drive for economy
I'm careful about half the time
I usually try to drive efficiently
I’m a full-time hypermiler
I don't drive / NA

Post your thoughts about this poll below.

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g747 Champion Author Mobile Posts:4,682 Points:961,370 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 9:32:36 PM Ignore g747 Report Abuse I try to drive very Efficiently.
paulydel Champion Author Delaware Posts:8,893 Points:858,100 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 7:31:19 PM Ignore paulydel Report Abuse What can I say? I like to drive fast but I do try on occasions to do the speed limit.
Ziggy1962 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:6,097 Points:1,838,385 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 6:35:06 PM Ignore Ziggy1962 Report Abuse Occasionally.
Winoscientist Champion Author Maryland Posts:8,063 Points:1,402,635 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 6:31:20 PM Ignore Winoscientist Report Abuse I have my man servant, who is driving, engage Plan X4 which involves many techniques that cut down on gas consumption. Plan X4 is Top Secret and I am not at liberty to reveal it. You should direct your enquiries to the Office of the Director of the NSA.
kimberly55 Veteran Author Allentown Posts:421 Points:658,535 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 5:43:26 PM Ignore kimberly55 Report Abuse I just drive
WR&C Veteran Author Oregon Posts:350 Points:250,970 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 5:13:22 PM Ignore WR&C Report Abuse Only on rare occasions do I not try to drive for maximum economy.
Bill8177 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:605 Points:865,205 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 3:50:37 PM Ignore Bill8177 Report Abuse I just want to win free gas, in the mean time I do all ny errands while I am going home from work so I guess U drive for economy..
gazguzzler11 Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,583 Points:790,765 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 3:09:59 PM Ignore gazguzzler11 Report Abuse I drive to get where I'm going. I set my cruise at 120 on the 401 & when in the US at 5 mph over the limit. I get 45 mpg in my Sunfire & around 28 mpg in my Montana on the highway so I'm going to continue my driving habits.
SWGC3000 Rookie Author North Carolina Posts:19 Points:210,685 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 2:49:30 PM Ignore SWGC3000 Report Abuse I drive with windows down, around town and under 40mph. I also drive on the interstate with the windows up and the A/C on. All the tips out there about how A/C saps gas mileage and how driving with the windows down makes the car less aerodynamic, while both are true no doubt ... I'll use a mix of both techniques. Damned if you do ... damned if you don't I guess. Untill they figure out how to make Hybrid and other alternative fuel cars mors affordable and safer to drive, I'm not changing my driving to save a few bucks.
zacksnanny Champion Author New Brunswick Posts:1,665 Points:2,228,140 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 1:52:49 PM Ignore zacksnanny Report Abuse I usually try to drive efficiently
leveit2clever Champion Author Cleveland Posts:7,246 Points:451,635 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 12:22:42 PM Ignore leveit2clever Report Abuse I get all of the passengers in the car to put their arms out the windows and flap them in unison like a bird. Seems to work every time.
Bonanza Champion Author Boston Posts:12,254 Points:2,578,705 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 11:11:51 AM Ignore Bonanza Report Abuse I usually try to drive efficiently
WisJohnson Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:4,803 Points:157,915 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 10:37:32 AM Ignore WisJohnson Report Abuse Uh - when I eat a hunk of cheese, the car mileage improves during that drive. That and it helps to say hut hut hut... as I drive along.
dongo50 Champion Author West Virginia Posts:14,878 Points:2,407,745 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 8:24:40 AM Ignore dongo50 Report Abuse usually
cigarman409 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:4,576 Points:1,854,335 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 7:15:30 AM Ignore cigarman409 Report Abuse always trying/consolidate trips
Lengas Champion Author Gary Posts:13,698 Points:2,745,475 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 6:08:05 AM Ignore Lengas Report Abuse I drive efficiently most of the time.
pkhdonovan Champion Author Maine Posts:12,146 Points:2,732,530 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 5:59:18 AM Ignore pkhdonovan Report Abuse I try to watch my driving methods
OKRifle Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:10,582 Points:1,837,985 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 5:56:18 AM Ignore OKRifle Report Abuse I try!
Ziggy1962 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:6,097 Points:1,838,385 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 4:45:47 AM Ignore Ziggy1962 Report Abuse Occasionally.
estroh Champion Author Indiana Posts:3,749 Points:758,500 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 4, 2011 12:02:42 AM Ignore estroh Report Abuse I’m a full-time hypermiler
chui Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,931 Points:2,388,285 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 11:45:33 PM Ignore chui Report Abuse most of the time/...............
zacksnanny Champion Author New Brunswick Posts:1,665 Points:2,228,140 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 9:53:36 PM Ignore zacksnanny Report Abuse I usually try to drive efficiently
tjharrell Rookie Author New Mexico Posts:8 Points:17,550 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 9:21:42 PM Ignore tjharrell Report Abuse I use the cruise control if the car has it, like the wife's car. My own car is a '95 Caprice ex-cop car with no cruise control and an LT1, so I have a tendency to drive that thing like I was 16.
SKILLZD Sophomore Author Lansing Posts:138 Points:579,250 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 7:55:14 PM Ignore SKILLZD Report Abuse I usually try to drive efficiently
Ziggy1962 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:6,097 Points:1,838,385 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 7:19:38 PM Ignore Ziggy1962 Report Abuse Occasionally.
asin99 Rookie Author Austin Posts:99 Points:445,730 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 3:13:18 PM Ignore asin99 Report Abuse The only time I consider fuel economy is when my needle points to E and the gas station is miles away. Mostly I'm waiting for the next alternative fuel cars. I'd like to see more investment in hydrogen.
asin99 Rookie Author Austin Posts:99 Points:445,730 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 3:13:17 PM Ignore asin99 Report Abuse The only time I consider fuel economy is when my needle points to E and the gas station is miles away. Mostly I'm waiting for the next alternative fuel cars. I'd like to see more investment in hydrogen.
ToriB All-Star Author Washington Posts:973 Points:146,030 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 2:27:00 PM Ignore ToriB Report Abuse Driving MUCH less and driving 5-10 mph under freeway speed limits.
Cat444 Rookie Author Oklahoma City Posts:4 Points:1,755 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 2:15:56 PM Ignore Cat444 Report Abuse Try to stay at the posted speed limit and don't use cruise control too much unless going on a long trip. Actually cut down on driving around. Gas is too high and the weather is too hot!
NateHoy Champion Author Maine Posts:1,246 Points:815,300 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 1:45:08 PM Ignore NateHoy Report Abuse " Also, avoiding jack-rabbit starts can be taken too far because you're staying in the lowest gear too long." I agree with you on the rest, especially the elimination of traffic lights (our town is currently adding more traffic lights to an already-busy downtown, and it's a nightmare), but .. umm .. what? The more slowly you accelerate, the less fuel you use. Almost without exception. If you accelerate more slowly, you're shifting up more quickly, at least that's the case with any automatic transmission I've even driven (and also the way I drive my Jetta Diesel stickshift - I can make it to about 30MPH in 5th gear at idle RPM without once touching my accelerator pedal; it just takes me a while). When you put your foot down, the tranny DOWNSHIFTS and delays any upshifting to crank up those gerbils and give the tranny some RPM lovin'. Same with a stick - when you want more power you downshift because the maximum power is a lot closer to redline than idle. When you let your foot off the gas, the car will usually shift UP a gear, thereby lowering RPM and increasing fuel mileage. Try it sometime. The next time you go on the highway, shoot for reaching highway speeds just as quickly as you possibly can. Keep that GO pedal floored. You'll find your engine RPM stays up much higher, much longer, probably kissing redline before the next gear change, and the transmission delays shifting to keep the RPM high for the maximum power you are demanding. You'll probably be running at >50% RPM the whole time. WAY over 50% most of the time. The time after that, try to time your acceleration so you are reaching highway speeds at the end of the ramp when you're merging with traffic. Be as light on the pedal as you can, and accelerate as smoothly as possible. If you have 1000 feet of run-up to a 65MPH road, your goal is to gain a consistent 7MPH for each 100 feet you cover until you reach 65MPH. Depending on your car, it's likely you'll never exceed 50% of RPM during that process, or if you do it won't be terribly often. And you'll use a LOT less fuel to reach the same speed.
KCK8 Champion Author Kansas Posts:6,565 Points:219,225 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 1:05:18 PM Ignore KCK8 Report Abuse When the wind is blowing south by southwest and if I hold my left hand out the window and make the shape of a duck and I simultaneously sing "Green Acres" theme song, my mileage improves by at least 1/16 of a mile per gallon.
AcuraTSX Champion Author Ohio Posts:5,626 Points:2,207,880 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 12:36:15 PM Ignore AcuraTSX Report Abuse Blow out the carbon? Not in today's modern car with fuel injection.
spunky4443 Champion Author Washington Posts:5,311 Points:1,335,945 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 12:25:31 PM Ignore spunky4443 Report Abuse Occasionally for me, there comes a time that you got to blow out the Carbon, your Mileage goes to hell, but your car likes it better.
findftmyersgas Rookie Author Cape Coral Posts:6 Points:13,360 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 11:41:16 AM Ignore findftmyersgas Report Abuse I agree with Doug...cruise control is not always the best. On a 1600 mile trip up to NH I tried both with and without and found better mileage without cruise control. I closely watch the mpg on my screen and definitely adjust my driving to get the best mileage possible.
FranklinON Sophomore Author Ottawa Posts:104 Points:369,035 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 11:24:38 AM Ignore FranklinON Report Abuse lol @ peebo! Before voting & reading some of the discussion, I wasn't sure what "special techniques" the question might be referring to. I have found that since I started sticking to the speed limit, or just above, I save about $10/week in gas. That's good enough for me.
Peebo Veteran Author Baltimore Posts:394 Points:1,529,500 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 11:18:09 AM Ignore Peebo Report Abuse I use my space age driving techniques like waggling the car side to side and driving with my toes while I eat a boomer size submarine, to save gas.
rdnckegr08 Rookie Author Pennsylvania Posts:44 Points:117,825 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 11:07:57 AM Ignore rdnckegr08 Report Abuse I try on roads that dont have a lot of stops to use cruise control, as well as on highways. Plus I love the mpg display in my car even it isn't as accurate as it says, it helps me adjust the amount of gas i give the car to get the best mpg i can.
riceburner1 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:705 Points:57,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 10:02:09 AM Ignore riceburner1 Report Abuse I usually try to drive efficiently
riceburner1 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:705 Points:57,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 10:01:51 AM Ignore riceburner1 Report Abuse Only when Obama lets me !! What a great deal !!
riceburner1 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:705 Points:57,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 9:59:29 AM Ignore riceburner1 Report Abuse I usually try to drive efficiently
riceburner1 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:705 Points:57,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 9:59:19 AM Ignore riceburner1 Report Abuse I usually try to drive efficiently
riceburner1 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:705 Points:57,575 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 9:59:08 AM Ignore riceburner1 Report Abuse I usually try to drive efficiently
ghmortensen Champion Author Minnesota Posts:2,040 Points:1,693,100 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 9:45:01 AM Ignore ghmortensen Report Abuse I don't believe the 55% that say they usually try to drive efficiently. I think that number is probably more like 15-20%.
cwashi3324 Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:2,863 Points:587,720 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 9:41:04 AM Ignore cwashi3324 Report Abuse I'm somewhat careful; I use my cruise control religiously when on the highway and still combine trips whenever possible.
Southwood Veteran Author Tallahassee Posts:355 Points:702,895 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 9:05:41 AM Ignore Southwood Report Abuse Why are we so into this again? This is a repeat of the 70's. Mpg have actually gotten worse since then. I got better mileage back then. Government mandates just provide incentives to cheat the system. The hubris of those in Washington is unbelievable. Let's just mandate that we all sprout wings and fly.
CobraJ Champion Author Tampa Posts:1,015 Points:377,425 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 8:15:21 AM Ignore CobraJ Report Abuse I don't go to extremes by hypermiling, but I try to drive as efficienly as I can especially when driving in the city.
DougtheEconMan Champion Author Akron Posts:1,913 Points:272,740 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 8:14:53 AM Ignore DougtheEconMan Report Abuse Cruise control in NOT always the most efficient! Seeing ahead and adjusting to grade elevation changes, or to developing traffic situations, can be done more efficiently than cruise. Cruise cant predict this and adjust in time. Also, avoiding jack-rabbit starts can be taken too far because you're staying in the lowest gear too long. Just some examples of why saving fuel techniques aren't so clear cut. For ten years or so, I drove close to 300,000 miles a year. I'm convinced that 1 out of 4 traffic lights can be eliminated in our nation without sacrificing safety, it would be a great energy saver.
OKRifle Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:10,582 Points:1,837,985 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 8:09:48 AM Ignore OKRifle Report Abuse As much as I can!
91Hilux Champion Author New Haven Posts:2,257 Points:707,220 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 7:15:30 AM Ignore 91Hilux Report Abuse I usually try to drive efficiently, but I'm definetly NOT a hypermiler. Most hypermilers I see are so focused on their milage, they forget there are other people on the road and that is dangerous. Driving 10+ miles under the speed limit in the passing (left) lane, tailgating (like the idiot who was so close to me Monday all I could see in my mirror was the top 6 inches of his windshield- mind you we were going 75mph!!)... are all ways to cause accidents. $2 in gas isn't worth paying for medical bills, car repairs, higher insurance premuims, or someone's life.
cigarman409 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:4,576 Points:1,854,335 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 7:13:44 AM Ignore cigarman409 Report Abuse always
Lengas Champion Author Gary Posts:13,698 Points:2,745,475 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 6:16:41 AM Ignore Lengas Report Abuse 99% of the time I usually drive efficiently
Bonanza Champion Author Boston Posts:12,254 Points:2,578,705 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2011 6:14:43 AM Ignore Bonanza Report Abuse I usually try to drive efficiently